Sir Paul McCartney has been awarded for his contribution to US Arts and Culture at the Kennedy Center Honors.
The former Beatle was presented the award by American President, Barack Obama, who said: "The arts have always had the power to challenge and the power to inspire and to help us celebrate in times of joy and find hope in times of trouble.
"And although the honorees on this stage each possess a staggering amount of talent, the truth is, they aren't being recognised tonight simply because of their careers as great lyricists or songwriters or dancers or entertainers. Instead, they're being honoured for their unique ability to bring us closer together and to capture something larger about who we are not just as Americans, but as human beings."
McCartney said: "It's one of America's highest honours and as a performing artist it's great to get it and in such illustrious company."
Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey was also saluted at the event.
